Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor

Description

The Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) is intended for individuals who provide alcoholism and substance abuse counseling services in approved work settings. CASAC work experience includes practice in diagnostic assessment, evaluation, intervention, referral and alcoholism and/or substance abuse counseling in both individual and group settings.

Credentialing Requirements

In order to apply to become a CASAC in New York State, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, reside or work in New York State at least 51 percent of the time, and must have earned at least a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

CASAC applicants must meet specific competency and ethical conduct requirements, meet specific work experience requirements, meet minimum education and training requirements and pass the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, Inc. (ICRC) examination for Alcohol and Drug Counselors (ADC). More specific information on the CASAC requirements can be viewed by visiting the website of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) at: http://www.oasas.ny.gov/.

CASAC Trainee Certification

CASAC Trainee certificates are issued to applicants who have satisfied a specific portion of the overall requirements. CASAC Trainee certificates serve as documentation that applicants are working toward becoming a CASAC. In addition, CASAC Trainees may be counted toward the Qualified Health Professional staffing requirement in specific OASAS-certified Chemical Dependence treatment programs. More detailed information on the CASAC Trainee requirements is available on the website of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) at: http://www.oasas.ny.gov/.

Credential Renewal

To ensure continued competence and maintenance of skills, New York State OASAS requires that CASAC certificates be renewed every three years. Renewal applicants must document completion of a minimum of 60 clock hours of continuing professional education related to alcoholism and substance abuse counseling. All continuing professional education must be completed during the applicant's current credentialed period. Renewal applicants must also arrange to have their current or most recent supervisor or program director complete an Evaluation of Competency and Ethical Conduct on their behalf.